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WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The
American Statistical Association (ASA), the oldest and largest
organization of professional statisticians, today launches an effort to
educate students, parents, teachers and counselors about careers in
statistics. The rapidly growing field offers a variety of lucrative job
opportunities in a broad array of sectors including technology, media,
finance, medicine, politics and even professional sports, yet often
remains overlooked in discussions about STEM education and careers.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for statisticians
will grow 27 percent between 2012 and 2022, much faster than the growth
rate of 18 percent for computer occupations, and 11 percent for all
occupations. The median salary for data scientists with less than three
years of experience is $80,000 and $150,000 for those with nine or more
years of experience, according to the Burtch Works 2014 report.

Despite these promising factors, the McKinsey Global Institute predicts
by 2018 the U.S. will need up to 190,000 new professionals with
analytical skills to manage and support the Big Data operations of
private companies and nonprofit organizations.

To help recruit the next generation of professional statisticians, the
American Statistical Association built an informational website, thisisstatistics.org,
introducing students to the field of statistics, including what
statisticians do and where they work. It includes video interviews of
up-and-coming statisticians, career and salary information, sectors that
employ statisticians and an interactive map of select organizations
across the world where statisticians work. In addition, parents,
teachers and counselors
will find resources they can share with students.

“We want to show students who think statistics isn’t for them that it is
worth a closer look,” said Ron Wasserstein, Executive Director of ASA.
“A degree in statistics opens doors to virtually any industry sector,
anywhere in the world, and gives young people an opportunity to make a
difference while also making a great salary and doing interesting work.”

The profession of statistics has been around for centuries and has
always been essential to combating disease, making drugs effective and
safe, and understanding people and society. But it’s also becoming part
of the fabric of nearly every sector of the economy. To learn more about
careers in statistics, visit www.ThisisStatistics.org.

About the American Statistical Association

The American Statistical Association is the world’s largest community of
statisticians and the second-oldest continuously operating professional
society in the United States. Its members serve in industry, government
and academia in more than 90 countries, advancing research and promoting
sound statistical practice to inform public policy and improve human
welfare. For additional information about the American Statistical
Association, please visit the ASA website at www.amstat.org.